[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 170 (Wednesday, October 15, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7137-S7138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING COLONEL JOHNNY BROOKS

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to COL Johnny 
Brooks--a distinguished officer, a devoted servant of our Nation, and a 
remarkable friend and family man.
  Johnny served the Army and our country with great distinction. The 
son of an Army officer, Johnny grew up moving from post to post and 
decided early on to commit his life to service. He enlisted in the U.S. 
Army and soon earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at 
West Point, a testament to his skill and determination.
  Commissioned as an infantry officer, Johnny advanced through the 
ranks with remarkable success. During his career, he commanded the 4th 
Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment and deployed to Panama as part of 
Operation Just Cause, served as an exchange officer with the British 
1st Parachute Regiment, led the infantry training brigade at Fort 
Benning, and later became chief of staff of the 82nd Airborne Division. 
He was, through and through, a soldier and a leader.
  Throughout his distinguished service, Johnny inspired those around 
him with his professionalism, his courage, and his deep loyalty to his 
soldiers. His character, skill, and sense of duty made him a model 
officer and an example to all who served with him.
  I was privileged to know Johnny personally. As West Point classmates, 
we shared the formative lessons of ``Duty, Honor, and Country'' that 
shaped his life and career. Johnny's steady presence, humility, and 
good humor were constants to those of us who knew him well.
  After retiring from the Army, Johnny and his wife Christine made 
their home in Alabama, where they spent the past 25 years. His love for 
his country was surpassed only by his love for his family: his wife 
Christine; his children Heather and Matthew; his grandchildren; great-
grandchildren; and sisters. To them, I offer my deepest condolences and 
my gratitude for sharing Johnny with our Nation for so many years.

[[Page S7138]]

  Johnny Brooks was a selfless and inspiring person. He dedicated his 
life to leading and serving others, and his was a life well-lived. He 
will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him and to serve 
alongside him.
  I am proud to honor the legacy of COL Johnny Brooks, and I know the 
Members of the Senate will join me in recognizing the remarkable 
contributions he made to our Army and our Nation.

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